History of Green Growth – New Urbanism

The concept is elegantly simple; return to the urban form that made up American cities before the popularization of cars to find workable ways to promote efficiency, encourage diversity and build a sense of place. The Homeland Security Foundation of America (HSFA) developed a set of history of smart growth videos with a focus on development patterns since the second world war and the effect of this growth on American cities. It’s an interesting approach that discusses the social dimensions of smart growth principles such as variety in transportation and housing choice.

Part of the format is a series of personal interviews with folks who have chosen to be part of  developments that focus on walkability and a diversity of community instead of ease of car access and large single family lots. The ‘new urbanist‘ concept of a return to turn of the 20th century neighborhoods is not just nostalgic but holds some practical lessons. Although there is no doubt it is popular, with such lofty goals there are still questions about whether it can truly encourage sustainability or is it just another architectural style?